Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

New Washington State Law Librarian brings broad experience in law, education and access

The Washington State Supreme Court has named Robert Mead to the position of State Law Librarian after the retirement of long-time Librarian Kay Newman. Mead is the former Law Librarian for the New Mexico Supreme Court and was serving as Deputy Chief Public Defender for New Mexico when he accepted the position in Washington.

“Robert brings valuable experience that will be of benefit in his new role,” said Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara Madsen. “He has demonstrated a commitment to public service and access to justice, and we look forward to hearing his ideas for improving our practices and processes here in Washington state.”

The Library’s primary mission is to serve the legal information needs of Washington's courts, the Attorney General, the Legislature, the Governor's Office and state commissions, agencies and boards of all branches. However, the Law Library is open to the public and welcomes the opportunity to assist in legal research. The Washington State Law Library was established in 1907 after legal research materials were divided from the expanding Washington State Library. In 1959, the Law Library came under the supervision of the state Supreme Court.

Located in the Temple of Justice on the Capital Campus in Olympia, the library has expanded its online services and resources to include numerous legal databases, an online “Ask a Librarian” tool and an option for a Live Chat with a reference librarian, and more. Additional information can be found on its website at http://www.courts.wa.gov/library/?fa=library.about.

“Access to legal information is a critical component of access to justice—without it, the public is forced to make decisions about their lives with only a cursory knowledge of the rules of the game,” Mead said. “Law libraries make this access possible, providing a permanent collection of the law and filling in the haphazard publication of the law on the Internet. Law librarians serve the public, attorneys, and judges as guides to finding the law and the resources needed to understand and use it.”

Mead most recently oversaw the administration of New Mexico’s largest law firm, the Law Offices of the Public Defender, with 200 attorneys. Prior to 2014 he served as New Mexico Supreme Court Law Librarian for eight years and directed other law libraries before then, served as an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law, and spent time in private legal practice. He was also a member of New Mexico’s Access to Justice Commission and co-chair of its Pro Bono Working Group for six years.

“I’m thrilled to be able to join the staff of the Supreme Court and help further connect the law libraries in Washington to the many statewide efforts to ensure equal justice for all.  I’m especially interested in improving access to legal information in rural Washington and for groups that have cultural and financial barriers that make accessing legal information more difficult, including those who are incarcerated or homeless,” Mead said.

“This will require broad partnerships statewide with the other law libraries, local public libraries, legal services providers, correctional institutions, bar associations, public defenders, and clinics who serve those in need. I’m also committed to continuing the Washington State Law Library’s long history of serving the legal information needs of the courts, agencies, and attorneys who rely on our collection and reference assistance.”